If you’re looking to elevate your camping experience (literally), roof tents are one of the best investments you can make. Perfect for adventurers who love freedom and flexibility, roof tents turn your car into a mobile basecamp. Whether you’re planning a summer getaway in the Lake District or a rugged overlanding trip through Scotland, a rooftop tent offers quick setup, comfort, and safety above ground.
This roof tent buying guide will walk you through the best rooftop tents of 2025 available in the UK, from affordable budget options to rugged overlanding models. We’ve included roof tents for singles, couples, families, and even small vehicles.
Contents
Why choose a roof tent?
- Quick setup: Most roof tents unfold in under five minutes
- Off-ground comfort: Sleep on a mattress away from mud, bugs, and uneven terrain
- All-season use: Many tents are weatherproof and suitable for UK conditions
- Space-saving: Leave more room in your vehicle for gear
- Versatility: Camp anywhere you can park
Hard shell vs soft shell rooftop tents
| Feature | Hard shell | Soft shell |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Quicker (30–60 secs) | Slightly longer (3–5 mins) |
| Durability | More robust, better for all weather | Lighter but less aerodynamic |
| Price | Higher | More affordable |
| Storage | Some offer roof storage | Generally no external storage |
| Ideal for | Regular campers, overlanders | Occasional campers, budget-conscious |
Roof tent buying guide: what to consider
- Vehicle size and roof load rating: Check your car’s dynamic and static weight limits
- Tent size: Are you camping solo, as a couple, or with family?
- Ease of use: Consider setup time and access
- Seasonal use: All-season models are best for UK weather
- Materials and waterproofing: Look for ripstop fabric, waterproof ratings, and quality zips
- Budget: Roof tents range from around £900 to £4,000+
Best rooftop tents 2025
OEX Vertex Lite 130 Roof Tent
- Type: Soft shell
- Capacity: 2 people
- Best for: Budget couples, small vehicles
- Price: £695
- Optional lighting strips
- Why we like it: Less than 5 minute pitch, great value for those on a budget
Decathlon Quechua MH500 Fresh & Black
- Type: Inflatable soft shell
- Capacity: 2 people
- Best for: Budget couples, small vehicles
- Price: ~£1,250
- Why we like it: Less than 5 min pitch, Fresh & Black fabric, >2,000 mm waterproof, wind resistant
Compare prices for Quechua MH500 Fresh & Black Two-person Roof Tent
Decathlon Quechua MH900 Fresh & Black
- Type: Inflatable soft shell
- Capacity: 2 people
- Best for: Ultra-compact fit
- Price: ~£1,350
- Why we like it: Inflates in 20 secs, ideal for small cars, >2,000 mm waterproof
Decathlon Quechua x NaïtUp Fresh & Black hard top
- Type: Hard shell
- Capacity: 2 people
- Best for: Compact UK roof racks
- Price: ~£2,300
- Why we like it: Opens in under 3 min, only 22 cm thick when closed, weather resistant
TentBox Classic
- Type: Hard shell
- Capacity: 2 people
- Best for: UK adventurers who want quick setup
- Price: £2,350 (approx)
- Why we like it: British-designed with 60-second setup. Weatherproof and includes ladder, mattress, and USB ports.
iKamper Skycamp 3.0
- Type: Hard shell
- Capacity: 3–4 people
- Best for: Families or long-term overlanding
- Price: £3,900+
- Why we like it: Premium build, king-size mattress, and great insulation. One of the best rooftop tents 2025 for all-season travel.
Tuff-Trek TT-02 Soft Shell
- Type: Soft shell
- Capacity: 2–3 people
- Best for: Budget UK overlanders
- Price: From £1,195
- Why we like it: Affordable, rugged, and British-made. Includes annex options.
Thule Tepui Foothill
- Type: Soft shell
- Capacity: 2 people
- Best for: Small vehicles
- Price: £1,650+
- Why we like it: Slim profile fits compact cars. Lightweight and easy to mount.
TentBox Lite 2.0
- Type: Soft shell
- Capacity: 2 people
- Best for: Budget and occasional use
- Price: £1,195
- Why we like it: Lightweight, compact, and UK-friendly. Great for weekend trips.
RoofBunk XL
- Type: Hard shell
- Capacity: 2 adults + 1 child
- Best for: Families on a budget
- Price: £2,000 (approx)
- Why we like it: British design with quick setup and optional accessories.
Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic 3
- Type: Soft shell
- Capacity: 3–4 people
- Best for: Family campers on a budget
- Price: £1,350+
- Why we like it: Big, rugged, and includes annex and foam mattress.
Freespirit Recreation High Country
- Type: Hybrid (fold-out hard shell)
- Capacity: 2–3 people
- Best for: Mixed weather UK camping
- Price: £2,800+
- Why we like it: Super quick setup, built for wet and windy conditions.
James Baroud Evasion
- Type: Hard shell
- Capacity: 2–3 people
- Best for: All-season UK road trips
- Price: £3,700+
- Why we like it: Solar fan, automatic opening, and premium materials.
TentBox Cargo 2.0
- Type: Hard shell
- Capacity: 2 people
- Best for: Roof storage + sleeping
- Price: £2,750
- Why we like it: Tough aluminium shell with roof rails for bikes or gear.
Summary: top roof tents UK 2025
| Product | Type | Sleeps | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quechua MH500 | Soft shell | 2 | £1,250 | Budget couples/small cars |
| Quechua MH900 | Soft shell | 2 | £1,350 | Ultra-compact fit |
| Quechua x NaïtUp | Hard shell | 2 | £2,300 | Fast hard shell option |
| OEX Vertex Lite | Soft shell | 2 | £695 | Budget couples, small cars |
| TentBox Classic | Hard shell | 2 | £2,350 | General UK camping |
| iKamper Skycamp 3.0 | Hard shell | 4 | £3,900+ | Families & overlanding |
| Tuff-Trek TT-02 | Soft shell | 3 | £1,195 | Budget overlanding |
| Thule Foothill | Soft shell | 2 | £1,650 | Small cars |
| TentBox Lite 2.0 | Soft shell | 2 | £1,195 | Weekend warriors |
| RoofBunk XL | Hard shell | 3 | £2,000 | Family trips |
| OVS Nomadic 3 | Soft shell | 4 | £1,350 | Budget family |
| Freespirit High Country | Hybrid | 3 | £2,800 | All-weather use |
| James Baroud Evasion | Hard shell | 3 | £3,700 | Luxury campers |
| TentBox Cargo 2.0 | Hard shell | 2 | £2,750 | Gear-focused camping |
FAQs about roof tents
Are roof tents legal in the UK?
Yes, as long as your vehicle’s roof load rating supports the weight and you camp in permitted areas.
Can I fit a roof tent on a small car?
Yes. Models like the Thule Foothill and TentBox Lite are designed for small vehicles like hatchbacks.
What’s better – hard shell or soft shell rooftop tents?
Hard shell tents are faster to set up and more durable, ideal for frequent use. Soft shell tents are cheaper and lighter, great for occasional trips.
Do roof tents work in bad weather?
Most roof tents are waterproof and wind resistant. Look for a 4-season rating and a waterproof rating of 3,000mm or more.
Can I leave a roof tent on year-round?
Yes, especially hard shell models. Just make sure to check mountings regularly and clean off debris.
Conclusion
A roof tent is a smart choice for anyone looking to explore the UK with more freedom and less setup. Whether you’re heading to the Highlands, the coast, or a forest park, the right rooftop tent makes all the difference. Use this roof tent buying guide to find a tent that fits your car, your group, and your budget.
For value and ease of use, Decathlon’s MH500, MH900 and NaïtUp models are standout options. The Oex Vertex offers great value for couples when bought with a Go Outdoors members card.
Don’t forget to check your roof load limits, invest in a good roof rack, and always follow safe mounting instructions.
